Obstruction on Eselswiese Bridge over the Lahn: A Truck Has Been Parked

News Article: Reinforcement Works on Eselswiese Bridge to Begin Next Week

The much-anticipated second phase of reinforcement works on the Eselswiese bridge, located on federal road B 429, is set to commence on Monday, June 23rd. This phase, expected to last approximately three months, will focus on the renewal of the bridge in the direction of Wettenberg and the bridge cap.

During this period, the cycle and pedestrian path on the bridge will be closed. Traffic safety measures will be implemented on Monday, June 23rd, in the direction of Wetzlar, and on Tuesday, June 24th, in the direction of Heuchelheim, for the setup of the construction site. However, no full closure is required for these works.

In this phase, the existing bridge caps on the east side of the structure will be demolished and rebuilt using lightweight concrete. This material, which will have no impact on the function of the bridge, is being used to ensure the durability and safety of the structure.

The works on the Eselswiese bridge are part of a larger project aimed at allowing vehicles up to 44 tons in weight to cross the bridge. The current weight restriction of a maximum of 3.5 tons in the bridge area of federal road B 429 is expected to be lifted upon completion of the construction work.

It's important to note that only one lane per direction has been available in the bridge area since July 2023, and the maximum permitted speed has been reduced to 60 kilometers per hour. Since April 2023, the Eselswiese bridge has been closed to traffic heavier than 3.5 tonnes in both directions.

After the completion of the current road resurfacing on the B429 between the Lahnfeld junction and the Wettenberg interchange in late summer 2025, there will be another construction phase on the Eselswiese bridge. During this phase, traffic on the B429 in the area of the bridge will be fully redirected onto the opposite lane.

The upcoming reinforcement of the Eselswiese bridge also includes a bulge reinforcement to counteract the bulging of the steel main girders. The works on the Eselswiese bridge are expected to continue until the end of spring 2026.

The construction of the new bridge capsules of the Eselswiese between the Lahnfeld interchange and the Heuchelheim junction is likely to be completed only in winter 2025/2026 due to delays in production and delivery of essential materials. The works on the Eselswiese bridge are expected to be completed before Christmas 2024, but the overall construction work on the bridge is expected to continue until winter 2025/2026.

A detour via the surrounding paths and the state road 3359 (Lahnparkstraße) will be signposted in both directions during the construction. Motorists are advised to plan their journeys accordingly and allow extra travel time.

Stay tuned for more updates on the Eselswiese bridge reinforcement works.